ACTIONS: Things We Can Do to Prevent Greenwashing

James Sheppard, president of Vetrazzo Recycled Glass Surfaces (vetrazzo.com) and a founding member of the National Green Chamber of Commerce, is doing penance. For years he developed decidedly "ungreen" strip-mall shopping centers. Restitution is through his company, which not only practices green manufacturing but adds to the beauty of this world by creating elegant, artful countertops, walls, and other surfaces made out of discarded traffic lights, Chardonnay bottles, and curbside trash (see photos, below).

He offers these tips to check the veracity of all product sustainability claims: 1. Find out where the product is made. How far was it transported? The hidden energy cost of transport wipes out many products' environmental claims. 2. Check manufacturing websites. Do they have a comprehensive environmental story? Is it believable? Trust your gut. 3. Google the manufacturer plus the word "environment." The worst greenwash offenders are easily caught online. 4. When a product claims to be made from recycled materials, ask "how much?" Many manufacturers add an inconsequential amount of recycled material just to put the claim on the label. 5. Pay attention to all the ingredients. Many products distract attention from environmentally unsound ingredients. 6. Evaluate the longevity of the product. How long will it last? Can it be recycled, reused, or repurposed, or will it end up in a landfill? 7. Look for third-party certification. Google to see what it stands for. EnergyStar(tm) (for energy efficiency), Green Guard(tm) (for chemical off-gassing), and FSC(tm) (for sustainably harvested wood) are respected certifications. 8. Even better, find out if the company is a Certified Green Business. Local agencies that certify businesses committed to the deepest level of environmental practices are sprouting up in most parts of the country. This is your surest sign of true commitment to planet in addition to profit. It's important to recognize the power that consumers have over manufacturers, says Sheppard. The simple act of questioning green claims will force all manufacturers to work harder to deliver products that truly respect the environment, rather than deliver hollow buzz words and empty rhetoric. Manufacturers make what sells, and they watch closely to see what consumers value. Betsy Robinson

Seven Ways to Modernize Your Home

Modern design, with clean lines and a good connection to the outdoors, will be the leading housing trend for the next few years. In response to a more complex world, homebuyers respond to spaces that are simple, light, and soothing. They watch home makeovers on television, get d�cor catalogs in the mail, and have a wealth of online resources. Homebuyers today are aware of current design trends, and they love the clean lines of modern homes.

The downturn in the economy and the trend toward green living has led to more efficient use of space in homes. There is an interest in livability, rather than showiness. Bathrooms are smaller and more sensible, but closets are still generous. Formal living, media, or exercise rooms that are unconnected to other core areas tend to not be used. These spaces may be converted to studies or home offices. Buyers who work on line are growing in number, and they need work space at home.Red and gold are out. Thick texture on walls is out. Heavy faux is out. White and off whites are in. Pastels are in. Taupe and grey are combined with white for a sophisticated look. Add a splash of deep color � turquoise, chocolate brown, plum � and you have today�s look. A soft organic pallet, such as cream, sisal, and raw wool is in. On wood, both the natural bare look and dark stains are used.More than ever, buyers want to experience the outdoors. Large, sliding glass doors and screened porches have made a comeback. On tight urban lots, glass walls open the interior to a private yard. Backyard gardens, covered patios with outdoor kitchens, and pools are all desirable to today�s buyers.Space for Living & WorkingA minimalist interior is the first step toward the modern style that today�s buyers love. Smaller spaces can be overwhelmed with stuff. Fewer things are easier to display and keep the focus on the architecture. Mid century modern furniture, with clean lines and functional design, is very popular. It is a perfect combination with a light, open interior. Sparse d�cor, hard surface floors, white walls, and lots of glass give a cleaner, simpler look.Hard Surface FloorsSimplify & De-clutterIn the recent past, to upgrade a house was to �granitize� it. Today, granite is moving aside in favor of new choices. Recycled glass and engineered stones are growing in popularity, in line with the green trend. Soapstone, long used in labs, is in demand. The organic look of limestone, concrete, and marble have a following. Stainless steel is a good fit with modern styles.New CountertopsGrey is the new NeutralUpdated mid-century modern homes are very much in demand. Geometric patterns and big flower designs from the 1950�s and 60�s are in. Marimekko, Danish modern, IKEA, Eames, and early modern furniture are a perfect fit with today�s styles. Older traditional homes can be updated with sleek finishes, such as industrial light fixtures, flat cabinet doors, hard surface floors, and exposed windows. Open shelving in kitchens are a good fit. Today�s flat screens fit in easily, and the trend is to have more of them in places like kitchens or baths. Modern design with a retro feel will be the leading edge in the next five years.Retro Is BackOutside is In

More than ever, buyers want to experience the outdoors. Large, sliding glass doors and screened porches have made a comeback. On tight urban lots, glass walls open the interior to a private yard. Backyard gardens, covered patios with outdoor kitchens, and pools are all desirable to today�s buyers.

Bay Area Company Vetrazzo Redefines What It Means to Be "Green"

Bucking a National Trend, Makers of Vetrazzo Recycled Glass Countertops Focus on "Triple Bottom Line," Keep Living-Wage Jobs in USA

The company's revolutionary commitment to the triple bottom line -- serving people, planet, and profit -- is the larger story.Even the company's daily operations are designed with the planet in mind. Vetrazzo operates on a closed-loop water filtration system, saving approximately 150,000 gallons per month. The factory will be 100-percent solar powered by year's end.Vetrazzo believes that a green product should do more than just use recycled materials or avoid release of dangerous airborne toxins -- it should solve an environmental problem. Vetrazzo does just that by creating a new market for waste glass, including glass that cannot be recycled into other products. Each countertop panel is made from 550 pounds of crushed recycled glass from traffic lights, windshields, and beverage bottles. In 2007, Vetrazzo transformed over 250 tons of recycled glass -- including 125 tons of waste glass not recyclable elsewhere -- into beautiful, functional surface products.SAN FRANCISCO -- In today's market where sales of green building products are growing by 30 percent a year, every company is trying to claim that their product is "green." The makers of Vetrazzo recycled glass countertops are redefining what it means to be green by producing the most eco-friendly surface materials on the market, and honoring the triple bottom line of "people, planet, and profit" in their everyday business operations.PLANET: Vetrazzo's most obvious commitment to the planet is the use of recycled glass that would otherwise go directly into landfills. Vetrazzo offers a "green alternative to natural stone" like granite and marble, which come with a steep environmental price tag.PROFIT: The socially responsible entrepreneurs of Vetrazzo wanted to do more than make a green countertop, they wanted it to be beautiful, durable, and distinctive. And they wanted the entire company to be sustainable with a focus well beyond economic profit. The community's economic health and the planet's environmental health are equally as important as the bottom line at Vetrazzo."Sustainability is achieved when you no longer have to sacrifice aesthetics for the good of the people or the planet," says James Sheppard, president of Vetrazzo. "People won't do the right thing if the right thing isn't gorgeous."Vetrazzo, LLC transforms recycled glass into artful home or commercial surfaces including countertops, tabletops, and walls. Invented and first produced in 1996 by Counter Production, Vetrazzo surfaces enable customers to showcase their individual sense of style and respect for the environment. Vetrazzo uses only recycled glass, in a patent-pending formulation comprised of 85-percent recycled glass by weight. Vetrazzo is made in the United States, with headquarters in Richmond, Calif., and dealers and fabricators across the country. For more information, visit www.vetrazzo.com.About VetrazzoPEOPLE: At a time when manufacturing jobs are outsourced all over the world, Vetrazzo is keeping living wage jobs at home. They offer full health and dental benefits while paying 50 percent higher wages than many other West Coast manufacturing jobs. With its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in a remodeled Ford auto plant, Vetrazzo focuses on local hiring in economically depressed Richmond, California. Workers enjoy natural light, safety equipment that goes well beyond what is mandatory, and a continuing education program. Vetrazzo believes this investment in their people produces highly motivated workers, greater retention, and a top-quality product.

Vetrazzo, LLC transforms recycled glass into artful home or commercial surfaces including countertops, tabletops, and walls. Invented and first produced in 1996 by Counter Production, Vetrazzo surfaces enable customers to showcase their individual sense of style and respect for the environment. Vetrazzo uses only recycled glass, in a patent-pending formulation comprised of 85-percent recycled glass by weight. Vetrazzo is made in the United States, with headquarters in Richmond, Calif., and dealers and fabricators across the country. For more information, visit www.vetrazzo.com.

Cutting-edge countertops: high style meets earth-friendly: an eco option for every kitchen

ECOTOP (shown in Concrete) This blend of bamboo, recycled paper, and wood fiber was originally used for skateboard ramps. COST $35/ Sq. ft- ECO-FRIENDLIness 100%water based resin, FSC-certified. info Klip BioTechnolo gies, Puyallup, WA (kliptech.com)

BOTTLESTONE (shown in Mocha) Made of kilnfired recycled glass and ceramic binders, it resists heat and stains. Can be custom designed using wine bottles. COST $68/sq. ft. ECO-FRIENDLINESS 80% recycled content; no VOCs.INFO BottleStone, Los Altos, CA (bottle stone.com)PHOTOGRAPH BY THOMAS J. STORYRecycling your countertop To keep old or outdated countertops out of landfills, look for a deconstruction (not demolition) service in your area, or contact a local salvage center for information on types of materials allowed. To find your closest salvage yard, visit buildingreuse.orgFUEZ GLASS (shown in jade) With recycled glass, fly ash, stone, and shells, it's more durable than marble. COST$8o/sq. ft. ECO-FRIENDLINESS 60% to 80% recycled materials, including beer bottles; made using 100% wind-generated electricity. INFO InFuez, Portland (fuez.com)SQUAK MOUNTAIN STONE (shown in Natural) An alternative to quarried stone, slabs are made of fly ash, post-industrial crushed glass, and low-carbon cement. COST $50/sq. ft. ECO-FRIENDLINESS 50% recycled content including paper, 1/3 less C[O.sub.2] produced during manufacturing. info Tiger Mountain Innovations, Woodinville, WA [squak mountainstone.com)

PHOTOGRAPH BY THOMAS J. STORY

AS CLOSE AS 2 COATS OF PAINT

Allyson Buck and Sarah Heinbaugh are taking an Earth-friendly approach to interior design.

The friends-turned-business- partners are the owners of Interi- Life, which opened in January at 301 E. Pikes Peak Ave., on the eastern edge of downtown. The store sells sustainable, eco-friendly interior finishes such as cork and bamboo flooring, recycled glass countertops and Mythic paint, a nontoxic, low-odor paint."She distributes to different dealers in Colorado, and a lot of them have a focus on green," Buck said. "So she thought it would be a great opportunity for somebody to do that in Colorado Springs. She thought of me, and I thought it was a great idea, and I thought of Sarah, and we just did it."But it's spring - a time when homeowners think about home projects, they said.She and Buck acknowledged that they had qualms about starting a business in a down economy."I really liked the product," Buck said. And in delving into it, Buck also got to know Hall.The two relied on savings to get the business going. As befitting a green business, they took a green approach. Their cabinets, for example, came from ReSTORE, which sells recycled building materials.Heinbaugh sees a demand for green products. The challenge, she said, is "we just need people to know that we're here."The showroom is located inside what was formerly part of Hall's Walls. Buck and Heinbaugh rent the space. Hall is not part of the business."We're the only dealer in the Colorado Springs area that has this paint," Heinbaugh said. InteriLife also offers services including interior design and custom millwork, and Buck and Heinbaugh are planning to offer workshops.Among InteriLife's lines is American Clay, a natural-earth veneer plaster - and a product that started Buck down the path to creating InteriLife with Heinbaugh.Contact the writer at 636-0272.Buck learned about American Clay from Deborah Hall of Hall's Walls, a distributor for the product.It was Hall who had the idea for the new business.And, Buck said, "We've got no way to go but up."

Contact the writer at 636-0272.

Repair Options for Plastic Laminate Countertops

In the early years of my career in the countertop fabrication business, I sold a large number of plastic laminate countertops. When I went into business for myself 17 years ago, I started out specializing in repairing and modifying solid surface countertops. My thinking at that time was that the potential for repairing plastic laminate countertops was limited, and I wanted to focus totally on my new specialty. Eventually, though, I developed an interest in new business opportunities.

REPAIR OPTIONSOccasionally, we would be asked to repair a plastic laminate countertop, but in most cases, we declined. My perception was that the repair options were limited and the countertops themselves were relatively inexpensive. As a result, most customers would choose to live with minor damage, or they would complete a do-ityourself repair, or replace the countertops with new ones. None of these options involved hiring a professional repair service.Accordingly, here's some information about a variety of products and services that allow plastic laminate countertops to be repaired and refinished.Michaela Harbert has perfected her own successful four-step technique for refinishing plastic laminate countertops, and now provides this service professionally in the Cleveland, OH area. She calls her process Countertop Transfauxmations, and she has produced and sells a DVD and manual that explains the entire process. The process involves faux finishing and is completed with hand tools such as rollers and sponges as opposed to spray guns. With proper preparation, her method can cover areas that have moderate burn damage as well as chips, nicks and gouges. I've ordered the DVD, which is available at ByYouLLC.com, and will report on the results in a future column.The company's second product is Giani Granite Paint for Countertops. This product is a complete kit with all of the ingrethents needed to create a faux granite finish on a plastic laminate countertop. Included is a black primer, three complementary colors of mineral paints that are applied in a specific order to produce a granite effect, and a clear protective top coat. The company says that the system is based on automotive grade polymers like those used to manufacture car bumpers, and that the surface is exceptionally durable after two weeks of curing, although the refinished countertops can handle light-duty usage after just 48 hours. Kits in six basic colors are available, but the final look can be customized by varying the proportions of the mineral paints, or by adding other colors of acrylic paints. Visit GianiGranite.com for complete information.One well-known company, Miracle Method, has been successful in refinishing plastic laminate countertops. Miracle Method originated in 1979 as a franchise operation specializing in refinishing items like bathtubs and porcelain sinks. With over 120 locations and an emphasis on quality and customer service, the company may be the best choice nationally for professional refinishing of plastic laminate countertops. Enter your zip code at MiracleMethod.com for a referral to a franchise near you.These products and services offer the promise that plastic laminate countertops that are moderately damaged or worn, or that no longer match the color scheme of the kitchen or bath, can be refurbished for many additional years of service.Thomas' Kitchen Art is a division of Eagle Specialty Products, a company based in St. Louis that supplies ingrethents for manufacturers of paints, coatings, inks, caulks, adhesives and metal working fluids. Thomas' Kitchen Art has introduced two products that can be used for refinishing plastic laminate countertops. One is called Liquid Stainless Steel, which is a unique paint composed of microscopic particles of stainless steel in a clear, automotive grade acrylic resin. Marketed primarily for appliance refinishing, it can also be used to simulate a stainless steel countertop. Visit LiquidStainlessSteel.com for complete information.I'm rethinking that opinion. Just because many people have failed to do a good job doesn't mean that it's impossible. The key to success is selecting the right products that will bond securely to the laminate, and result in an attractive, durable, sanitary surface.Burns from hot pots are a common form of damage to plastic laminate countertops, and this type of damage is usually too extensive to be repaired inconspicuously. Vance Industries in another company that has been offering a repair solution for decades. The Vance Built-in Surface Saver is a tempered glass cutting board with a stainless steel frame. The product is designed to be permanently installed as an insert into the countertop, centered over the damaged area. The product is available in two sizes measuring either 12"xl5" or 16"x20", and a variety of colors of both the glass cutting boards and the steel frames. Visit Vancelnd. com for more information.I'm now in the process of re-evaluating that opinion. In a recession, it seems unwise to ignore any reasonable business opportunity, and consumers will often consider repairing a product they may have replaced when times were better. If you Google the phrase "recession shoe repair," you will find dozens of articles about shoe repair shops all across the country that are swamped with business in the form of hundreds of pairs of old shoes stacked up waiting to be fixed. Shoe repair is a perfect example of a countercyclical business - one that improves when the overall economy is poor. Perhaps repairing plastic laminate countertops is a similar market niche.I've been frequently asked if it is practical to paint plastic laminate countertops in order to change the color or cover damaged areas. Over the years, I've seen some paint jobs that have held up poorly, and ended up looking worse than the original countertop. I've rarely seen a repainted countertop that looked really good. Consequently, I've tended to recommend against the idea of repainting countertops in the past.Since 1956, Kampel Enterprises has been manufacturing its Seam-Fil product. This product is intended to fill seams, nicks and chips in plastic laminate surfaces. Available in one ounce squeeze tubes in 20 standard colors, the product can be blended by the user, or Kampel will custom mix the product for an exact color match to a specific laminate. After it cures, the result is a very durable repair. Visit KampelEnt.com for more information, or contact one of their 700 distributors, or order online at AmericanTechnologyI nc.com.

These products and services offer the promise that plastic laminate countertops that are moderately damaged or worn, or that no longer match the color scheme of the kitchen or bath, can be refurbished for many additional years of service.

Brighten Your Home with Glass Tiles

A dark and dull home interior is not usually what homeowners strive for. It still occurs probably because of light-absorbing carpets and hardwood. For this reason, many people are deciding to integrate glass tiles in parts of the house. Glass is reflective, making areas seem brighter and larger. Adding radiance to a home is only one draw of glass tiles. It offers many other beautiful and practical benefits to a home.

Glass has extremely easy maintenance. Everyday glass cleaner will do the trick. Due to its recent increase in recognition and competitive availability, glass is very reasonably priced. Glass tile applications have seen an increase lately due to recent anti-slip products, making it more ideal for floor applications. Though glass is resilient, it can still break due to abuse. Floor-rated tiles are recommended in high-traffic areas. These are more resistant and less likely to crack. Upon deciding glass is for you, remember these specialty tiles require specific installation methods, so be sure to hire a professional. From design to finish, glass tiles make a beautiful addition to any home.Since glass tiles can withstand harsh conditions, unlike many other surface coverings, it is ideal for a multitude of applications. Fireplaces, wall backsplashes, kitchen and bathroom floors or countertops are just a few examples. Glass is even weather-proof enough for outdoor use. It is very popular as pool tile because of its strength and attractive mosaic design possibilities. From a �green� standpoint, the developing innovations of recycled glass make it healthier for the environment. Recycled glass is in no way inferior to non-recycled glass. It creates a unique and often sought after appearance that can resist the same conditions as any newly-created glass.

Glass has extremely easy maintenance. Everyday glass cleaner will do the trick. Due to its recent increase in recognition and competitive availability, glass is very reasonably priced. Glass tile applications have seen an increase lately due to recent anti-slip products, making it more ideal for floor applications. Though glass is resilient, it can still break due to abuse. Floor-rated tiles are recommended in high-traffic areas. These are more resistant and less likely to crack. Upon deciding glass is for you, remember these specialty tiles require specific installation methods, so be sure to hire a professional. From design to finish, glass tiles make a beautiful addition to any home.

New digs in the park

Good news at the trusty ol' Yosemite Lodge at the Falls, whose just-okay rooms have always relied on their stone's-throw proximity to Yosemite Falls to draw a crowd. Now, two prototype eco rooms have opened, with all the efficient, organic, high-tech touches you'd expect, plus a serious upgrade in style. Headboards of live-edge hickory are a swirl of a centerpiece, and colorful countertops are made of glass from curbside recycling bins in San Francisco. With luck, the lodge will start converting more rooms by the end of the year. For now there's no guarantee, but it doesn't hurt to request one of the green rooms when you reserve. From $207; yosemite park.com

Coming with the whole gang? Check out the swish new John Muir House at Evergreen Lodge, which blows away the frumpier rentals at Yosemite West. Sleeps 10; $895; evergreenlodge.com

Eco-friendly kitchens are gaining steam

By Lynn Underwood

The motivation: Cathy and Mike Spengler's whole-house remodeling included an updated kitchen. "It was such a big project that we wanted it to be the least wasteful and energy-efficient as possible," Cathy said.But there's more to green than a label on a package, said designer David Heide, owner of David Heide Design Studio in Minneapolis. He considers good design a key green component.By David Heide Design Studio; www.dhdstudio.com.The stuff: They used beech salvaged from Lake Superior for the formaldehyde-free cabinets. "It's such beautiful wood, and it's so cool that it has that history," she said. The countertops are composed of granite and onyx remnants, and the breakfast bar is made of oak certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. While the Spenglers installed energy-efficient, triple-paned windows, they repaired and refinished their existing hardwood floor."A bad design filled with lots of green products that end up in a Dumpster five years from now isn't green at all," he said.Scripps Howard News ServiceBEECH WOOD BEAUTYThe stuff: The cabinets are built without formaldehyde, with doors made from sustainably grown poplar wood fabricated into veneers. The recycled paper countertops "feel as hard as stone," Eric said. Multicolored recycled glass covers the center island. Instead of putting in a new floor, the Hattings refinished their existing maple one. All the paints and finishes are low-VOC. While they paid a little more for some of the green materials, Eric said, the end result is a kitchen that "is more visually appealing and re- uses materials."Today's green kitchens have nothing to do with color. They're environmentally friendly, energy-efficient and nontoxic. They boast countertops made of recycled glass or paper, and floors of renewable bamboo or cork. The appliances use less energy, and paint with low volatile organic compounds (low-VOC) keeps the air clean.By Otogawa-Anschel Design Build; www.otogawa-anschel.com.MINNEAPOLIS STAR TRIBUNE"At the time it was a radical concept, that you could use linoleum and cork and salvaged granite, and it could look high-end and classy," he said.By Natural Built Home; www.naturalbuilthome.com."There's no limit to cool products that have green attributes," said Anschel. "Five years ago, it was a struggle to find low-VOC paint. Now it's at big-box stores."The motivation: Owner Molly Dinneen wanted to update her Craftsman-style kitchen, but hoped to incorporate many of the room's existing materials. "There's nothing more green than re-using what you have," said David Heide, her designer.GREEN-MINDED MAKEOVERJust a few years ago, calling a kitchen green would have meant the walls were painted sage.The motivation: Owners Eric and Shelly Hatting designed their new kitchen, then looked for green products. "We've always liked the look of the materials," said Eric. "The fact that they were formaldehyde-free and mostly recycled sealed the deal."Here are some different ways to the same green end by several Minnesota firms:Now, manufacturers are crowding into what's considered a hot market, offering green building products in a wide range of styles, colors and prices.Eco-friendly kitchens, a byproduct of the green building movement, continue to gain steam, even in the sluggish economy, because more people want their homes to be healthier. They also want to do what they can to minimize the impact on the environment. But it took some time for green design to move beyond the back-to- basics style.Michael Anschel, principal at Otogawa-Anschel, was one of the architects on the front lines of green design in Minnesota. He helped develop the Minnesota GreenStar certification program in 2006, which includes guidelines for green kitchen remodeling projects.A BETTER BUNGALOWThe stuff: Dinneen patched and refinished the existing wood floor and restored and reinsulated the kitchen windows. She recycled her old appliances and replaced them with Energy Star appliances. The new formaldehyde-free cabinets are made of wood certified by the Forest Stewardship Council, which means it comes from a well- managed sustainable forest. Other green features include a low-flow faucet, under-cabinet halogen lights and a clay farmhouse sink that can be recycled.

Scripps Howard News Service

New Products

Bench Seat Fits Aging-In-Place Set

Resource Double Oven Saves EnergyThe CompoKeeper is designed to assist with composting of food scraps in the kitchen. The CompoKeeper works like a huge zip lock bag lining the inside of a waste bin that can be opened and closed using the foot pedal or turning the hand lever. Keeping compost in the CompoKeeper allows recyclers to store food scraps without the unpleasant odors and side effects of indoor compost storage.Custom Stainless Hood Vents Multi-Function StoveOdor Problems Resolved with Indoor ComposterDrawer Sides Made from White Birchwww.Broan.comCircle No. 215 on Product CardColors Abound in Glass VesselsCircle No. 203 on Product CardCircle No. 210 on Product CardBellavita Tile's Botswana series of tile mixes slate and glass for a shimmering yet natural look. The Botswana series comes in six colorways: Makgadi White (shown), Chobe Earth, Okavango Savannah, Mashatu Gold, Nxai Sand and Savute Night. The mosaic pattern is fashioned by combining 1''x1'', 1''x2'' and 2''x2'' tiles on a 12''x12'' sheet.Circle No. 201 on Product CardCircle No. 202 on Product Cardwww.thinkglass.comThe Empire Collection from Richelieu Hardware includes a range of decorative knobs and pulls. The pieces are crafted from cast iron and are available in multiple sizes and finishes.www.fourseasonscorp.comArchitecture Influences Hardware DesignCastlewood by AMS introduces Birch Plywood Drawer Sides made from 1/2''-thick C -2 grade white birch plywood with a protective clear UV finish. The drawer sides feature a tight birch core that is free from voids and core overlaps, and CARB compliant. The drawer side banks come in 96'' lengths with top edge banded and are available in a variety of heights from 2'' to 12''. Drawer blanks are grooved to accept up to a 5mm drawer bottom.www.castlewood.comwww.bellavitatile.comRefrigerator Drawers Offer Rapid CoolingAriston's new ARWDF 129 & 129 S Combination Washer/ Dryer is compact at just 24'' wide. Condensation technology contains and reuses the hot air created by the drying process, allowing excess moisture to leave through the drain hose. The unit can wash and dry loads in less than 60 minutes.ThinkGlass creates an array of custom glass countertops that are made from 100% recyclable glass. Each countertop is unique, with a huge selection of molded textures and hand-painted colors available. Customers can select their glass thickness, edge treatments and even add LED lights. The countertops are naturally resistant to scratches, mold and mildew, and can endure high heat without cracking or scorching, the company notes.Range of Options Marks Lav SeriesCustom Fused Glass Bowl Vessels from Meyda Custom Lighting feature a broad range of colors and designs. The Tropical Fused Glass Bowl Vessel is kilnfired, fused glass in colors of blue, yellow, green and red swirl and stripe motifs. The vessel stands 4.25'' tall and 15'' wide.Four Seasons Metals recently completed the design, production and installation of a custom stainless steel, four-light vent hood for a large multi-function stove that features five cooking elements - an oven, griddle, hibachi/wok, deep fat fryer and rice steamer. The hood features commercial grade lights and a 2500 cfm fan capable of venting all five cooking areas at once, if necessary.Whirlpool recently introduced the Resource Saver Double Oven Range. The upper oven uses 50 percent less energy and preheats in half the time, compared to a full-size oven. Users can bake at two separate temperatures simultaneously. The electric double oven has a combined 6.7 cu. ft. capacity.Circle No. 206 on Product CardPerlick Corp. has added Refrigerator Drawers to its C -Series product line of refrigeration products. Part of the company's moderately priced series, the 24" Refrigerator Drawers feature 5.3 cu. ft. of capacity, and each drawer is deep enough to accommodate a gallon of milk. The series is powered by a quiet 700 BTU compressor, with the firm's RAPIDcool refrigeration technology allowing for fast temperature pull-down.The Humidity Sensing Recessed Fan/Lights from Broan-NuTone resemble a recessed light but feature a humidity sensing switch that triggers the concealed, quiet ventilation fan. Energy Star-qualified, the fan/light features SensAire technology to help ensure moisture is effectively exhausted at the source.The Marquee Collection of undercounter lavatories from Porcher includes three sizes, four shapes and six different surfaces - creating 96 choices in all with the various options available. Inspired by the faceted beauty of diamonds, the symmetrical, vitreous china sinks are available in round, oval, square and rectangular with chamfered detailing. The three colors -white, biscuit or black - are offered in a fully glazed or matte finish.Hardware Has Ornate DesignFan/Lights Sense Humiditywww.richelieu.comLiners Direct has introduced a bench seat that measures 25''x15-3/4'' and is designed for comfort and the transfer of people in need of the resource. The bench fits along the back of the side wall but can be installed along the soap dish wall in larger showers. It is available in four solid colors and side wrap material is available in all of the wall colors the company offers.Circle No. 209 on Product Cardwww.whirlpool.comHardware Line Offers Many ChoicesCircle No. 212 on Product CardCircle No. 208 on Product CardGlass Countertops Provide Custom Lookwww.reveal-designs.comwww.linersdirect.comCircle No. 205 on Product CardLaundry Unit Combines Washing & Dryingwww.niceknobs.comCircle No. 204 on Product Cardwww.perlick.comwww.meyda.comwww.aristonappliances.usCircle No. 213 on Product Cardwww.porcher-us.comCircle No. 214 on Product CardNice Knobs! is a line of wood knobs, cabinet pulls and appliance pulls available in many shapes and sizes, as well as 11 wood species. Shown is a set of cherry knobs and pulls that work with many styles of cabinetry.www.compokeeper.comMosaic Combines Slate and GlassBorn out of a partnership between Reveal Designs and the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, the initial series within the Taliesin Design Hardware Collection feature elegant, simple lines. The Series 630 and Series 631 can be mixed for an eclectic look, and feature 4.25'' pulls that may be finished with stainless steel and a choice of beech, walnut, oil rubbed bronze or as solid stainless pieces.Circle No. 207 on Product Card

Circle No. 215 on Product Card

The Value Of Remodeling And Living Smart

Last week was the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day. Honestly it came and went without much fanfare - and I'm not sure why. The green movement is here to stay and hopefully inspires all of us to realize that the choices we make inside our homes impact everything around us. We have a responsibility to our kids to set the example and encourage them to live a more environmentally responsible and healthful lifestyle.

I'm making a concerted effort to live more responsibly and to design my projects more efficiently. Building and designing green is really an exercise in sensibility - where newly built and renovated homes are designed to be more energy and water efficient, durable, longer lasting and healthy to live in due to high indoor air quality - free of radon moisture and mold.- Kitchen remodels traditionally give you the best ROI in your home. Sure you can renovate and repurpose existing space, but just replacing your old laminate countertops with a new recycled glass counter surface, or changing out that old cracked ceramic floor tile with a highly sustainable bamboo material, will instantly add value to your home and improve your air quality at the same time.- Increasing your energy efficiency by improving the R-values in your attic insulation or basement and crawlspaces will help reduce your energy costs - which in turn improves the overall value of your home.- Old single pane windows are a portal for allowing cold air in, and warm air out. Replacing leaky windows with double paned ones will instantly improve your insulation and save energy. But keep in mind, replacing the windows on an old historic home would actually decrease its value by changing the integrity of the structure. In that scenario adding storm windows on the outside of those old single pane windows instantly improve your home's insulation value.So if you are thinking about renovating, remodeling or retrofitting, which simple "green" improvements would add the most value to your home?- Bathroom upgrades typically run a close second to kitchen improvements and their return on investment. By repainting with low or zero paints, re-grouting your tiles, or replacing all your old plumbing fixtures that conserve water will not only add value but save money as well.

- Old single pane windows are a portal for allowing cold air in, and warm air out. Replacing leaky windows with double paned ones will instantly improve your insulation and save energy. But keep in mind, replacing the windows on an old historic home would actually decrease its value by changing the integrity of the structure. In that scenario adding storm windows on the outside of those old single pane windows instantly improve your home's insulation value.

If you like to be beside the seaside then you need coastal outdoor lighting

Living close to Britain�s coastline is wonderful place to have a home and raise a family. But seaside residences are exposed to all the elements and many garden light fixtures and fittings are just not up to the job. You need specialist coastal outdoor lighting.

Bulkhead / Porch Lights - these are usually oval shaped and they�re fitted to walls. They�re ideal for use in porches and any areas where children play as they�re tough enough to cope with flying bats and balls.Victorian-style Garden Lanterns � these are a very traditional design of garden lighting. Many have reversible fittings so they can be mounted as either a downwards or an upwards lantern. They particularly suit cottages or traditional houses. They can be fixed to the house but work equally well on garden walls to illuminate driveways or the garden. Porch lanterns, which hang from a chain, look wonderful too.Wall Lights � there are a huge choice of garden lights available, ranging from functional security lights through to the decorative. Many are flush fittings so they�re good for narrow paths or covered walkways, and very useful when positioned near a front door.There is a wide choice of styles available on the market now. So you will be able to find something suitable whether you want to brighten up your hotel, illuminate your B&B or simply want to make more use of your seaside home�s garden and patio areas.Stuart Richardson - www.outdoorlightingonline.co.ukPopular coastal outdoor lighting ideas include:So remember, when brightening up the outside of your seaside residence make sure you invest in durable and corrosion-proof lighting and lamps.Garden Lighting Columns, Bollards and Posts � these coastal outdoor lights look fantastic around any decking or patio areas and some can be used as PIR (motion sensor) security lights too. Many of these types of lights are designed to provide a more contemporary look for gardens.

Stuart Richardson - www.outdoorlightingonline.co.uk

Author: Stuart Richardson

The Importance Of Saving Home Energy And Exactly How It Can Be Done

In this advanced way of life, the value of saving home energy is consistently rising since an increasing number of scientific as well as technological creations are really absorbing the organic and natural resources on the planet that are merely finite. If all people were to conserve energy, the world would probably have far more chance for scientific, communal in addition to political enhancement. Its for these reasons, experts along with environmentalists suggest that we all do what we should can to save energy. Although switching off and also unplugging home appliances of saving energy is often a convenient technique for saving electricity, you'll have to head for a few other energy conserving tips concurrently.

As everyone knows, another really good method for reducing home energy is definitely to take away the existing filament bulbs and then switch them with CFL light bulbs. This can definitely help you save a considerable amount of electricity and money as soon as it all accumulates. The benefits associated with this sort of lighting products is that they can keep going 10 times more as opposed to filament light bulbs, they give clean white light rather than a yellow light, and naturally they eat up considerably less energy. Another thing regarding these types of bulbs which makes them really cool is that they really are completely recyclable, meaning that you actually will not be required to dump them all and induce additional wastefulness at the landfill.Lastly, yet another intriguing method is to try to reduce the actual thermostat reading to as low as possible, somewhere around 120-130 degrees Fahrenheit and then keep it right there - do not let it go up! You will save home energy and even some money using this tactic; taking the heat from the thermostat lower two or three degrees can help you save a number of dollars when everything adds up. In general, building an environmentally friendly and also energy saving way of living is an activity that is very important for everybody, and not simply those people who are keen on lowering costs by simply doing this sort of things. Many houses have similar forms of energy allocated and put to use in the same appliances. Still, a number of people have really found out precisely how to make the most of the energy crisis to not only increase the efficiency of their own properties, but also to have a far more calm, time as well as financially successful lifestyle.

Lastly, yet another intriguing method is to try to reduce the actual thermostat reading to as low as possible, somewhere around 120-130 degrees Fahrenheit and then keep it right there - do not let it go up! You will save home energy and even some money using this tactic; taking the heat from the thermostat lower two or three degrees can help you save a number of dollars when everything adds up. In general, building an environmentally friendly and also energy saving way of living is an activity that is very important for everybody, and not simply those people who are keen on lowering costs by simply doing this sort of things. Many houses have similar forms of energy allocated and put to use in the same appliances. Still, a number of people have really found out precisely how to make the most of the energy crisis to not only increase the efficiency of their own properties, but also to have a far more calm, time as well as financially successful lifestyle.

Author: Adam Maher

Home Cleaning Tips - Reuse Or Recycle Unnecessary Things

Recycling things is important to cut down the waste, but it�s only one of the three Rs of living sustainably. The other two are Reducing and Reusing. Reusing can often take a bit of creativity and lateral thinking. But if you don�t have a Depression/WWII era granny to get ideas for reusing things from, then try these to start you off:

� Other light ideas - bathroom spot lights, especially for heat and bathroom down lights may be the much needed solution for your bath or shower area. If living with your boxed-in fluorescent lighting is a must, minimize its use with a small decorative lamp or at least a few strategically placed and scented candles.If you still cannot find fluorescent lighting to fit your needs, you can also consider efficient halogen lighting options. No matter what, natural lighting is the best and cheapest form of illumination. If you are planning a major bathroom renovation, you can always consider installation of a window or skylight to lessen your dependence on electricity.� Ventilation or a vent fan to remove odors, airborne irritants, and moisture needs to be left on for at least 20 minutes after a shower. Consider a timer to ensure for that vent fan or if space and design permits, include a operable window for natural ventilation and daylight.� Ambient Light � Ambient or general lighting helps you move safely around a room or area. This is the light that replaces natural sunlight and without a window or skylight, it would be essential in your bathroom. Considering a small bathroom space, we can rule out the need for hanging lights like chandeliers or pendant lights. Although they are typically used to illuminate space and provide overhead lighting, your bath space is at a premium. Use of flush mounted or perhaps recessed cans could be an option for the main bath area or other the toilet and/or shower. Care should always be taken in the bathroom to ensure that your lighting choices withstand moisture.Eco-friendly can also be eco-pretty, as you discover ways to get back to nature and save money with energy efficiency throughout your home. Natural elements and lots of color can give you a complete bathroom makeover with very little expense. Let's take advantage of Mother Earth and look at ways to embrace her beauty and going green.Going green in your bathroom might just be as simple as changing the color of your bath towels; hopefully we have given you many more ideas for energy efficiency and lighting.All is not lost, as a matter of fact; dealing with a small space can be lots of fun and there are some really cool, even ego-friendly ideas available to you, for a modest budget. That is assuming you're not going to knock down walls or buy a new home. Come to think of it, making a few lighting improvements can be one of the most economical upgrades to a home before you plan to sell. Kitchens and bathroom are highly scrutinized by future home buyers.Let's get started with some lighting fundamentals. Lighting like most d�cor decisions, should be functional in addition to pleasing to the eye. It's a good guess that your existing lights in the bathroom are outdated and fail to serve your basic needs.� Cabinets and Vanity Tops made from wheat-board or other low volatile organic compounds (VOCs) materials. Standard cabinets can off-gas potentially harmful VOCs for up to 15 years.

The big thing to remember when you are keeping things to reuse is not to be a hoarder. Only keep as much as you will actually need. If you have already got scoops for your sugar, your salt, your flour and the cat kibble, then don�t make another scoop. If your freezer is full up with frozen goods, don�t hoard any more containers for freezing. Just recycle the items instead!

Author: Nick Vassilev

Going Green in the Bathroom Can Be As Simple as Lighting or NOT

While we might dream about the luxury of an Old World style bathroom, grandiose in the amount of space and offering comfort in the most private of rooms, truth be told, our bathroom may be much smaller than our fantasies. However, that should not stop us from renewing our tiny space with some of today's hottest eco-friendly trends in bathroom designs.

Create ambiance for a slower pace by accenting your bath countertop with tall glass canisters filled with dried lavender, rosebuds, and other dried flowers. Create warmth by using gem tone colored candles of ocean blue, lush green foliage, and sunset oranges. Enhance your setting, minimize use of your overhead lighting and illuminate your bath with an elegant, energy-saving table lamp.� Accent � Accent or decorative lighting is most commonly used for illuminating walks with subtle light, or to highlight a key object or focal point in the home or surrounding landscape. We might not be looking for drama in your bathroom or have the need to spotlight a piece of art work. You could completely change the lighting dynamics of your bath or powder room by placing a small table lamp on your counter and eliminate the use of your old overhead fluorescent fixture. You know, the one that buzzes and flickers and drives you nuts in the morning. For other rooms in your home accent lighting can be accomplished by using track, recessed, or wall-mounted fixtures.When looking to upgrade your lighting, you should take note of some contemporary and beautifully illuminated bathroom cabinets. In essence, manufacturers have combined bathroom mirrors with lights offering some really cutting edge and sophisticated designs. Again, when space is limited, an option like this is a great functional solution.* Thick cardboard of any type can be used to protect CD(-ROMs) in the post instead of bubble wrap. Keep a small supply on hand, but don�t hoard it � it can build up to excess if you�re not careful.Your alarm clock buzzes, you awaken from a stupor, stumble out of bed, and trip over mislaid shoes. Unfortunately facing reality, to head to your real bathroom; nothing more than a closet with no natural light and the ambiance of a cheap hotel room littered with all the necessities of daily grooming.� Cotton Towels - spruce up those tired towels with some plush organic cotton ones. White against a freshly painted wall will look smashing.* Rubber gloves. Once they�ve got holes in the fingers, cut the wrist parts up for extra thick, strong rubber bands.When it comes to energy efficiency in your bathroom, you are not limited to just lighting and water conservation. Other strategies for going green in your bathroom could include replacement of the following:� Organize clutter � hide your grooming and make-up clutter by putting the items in woven baskets, a leather box, or perhaps just cleaning out drawer space.* Zip-lock bags. Does anyone throw these useful things away? Use them for smaller batches of frozen food, and for school lunches.If you've got a small budget to go with the small bathroom, here are a few brainstorm ideas which can be implemented in a short amount of time. They might just help you take a few steps closer to creating the ambiance of a small special private retreat. These same ideas can work for a guest bath or powder room, especially where you want to ensure a nice welcome for your friends and family.A double vanity sparkles with brushed nickel faucets and surrounded by glass, your counter sits uncluttered. Gem tone candles twinkle beside your Jacuzzi bath and dried lavender scents the air. Deep plush organic cotton towels are nestled beside your walk-in closet glowing with soft lights as you pad in slippers out to enjoy your therapeutic outdoor shower.When we say 'going green' we mean literally, as turquoise is absolutely one of the hottest colors of the year. Turquoise is a calming hue and easily makes you feel the warmth and gentle breezes of a tropical paradise. It's easy to blend the colors of ocean seascapes with bamboo, organic cotton towels, and natural botanical skin products.In the past, bath designers overwhelmingly chose incandescent bathroom lights over more efficient fluorescent fixtures because they buzzed, flickered, glared, and lacked dimmer options. Responses to energy regulations have led to fluorescent fixtures with dimmable ballasts, accurate color representation, and cool white and full spectrum colors, along with higher quality materials and innovative design styles. This all translates to delivering beautifully lighted rooms while keeping your utility bills lower.

Going green in your bathroom might just be as simple as changing the color of your bath towels; hopefully we have given you many more ideas for energy efficiency and lighting.

Author: Kathryn Dawson

Cool Spacing Saving Ideas for Your Bathroom Lighting

Sure you've looked through lots of designer magazines and you fantasize about a palatial bathroom. It's so large that you have privacy within your private space. It's your own oasis retreat far from the maddening world. You are surrounded by dark sandstone tiles and thick recycled glass boxes form walls, hiding your toilet.

� Going 'green' could literally mean a new paint job in addition to energy efficiency bulbs and simple water conservation. Small spaces can be transformed with dark colours and one of the hottest colours today is turquoise.� Task Light � Task lighting, usually turned on manually, helps you perform specific tasks such as reading, sewing, cooking, homework, games, or working on your computer. When it comes to bathroom design, proper lighting is necessary for the basics of grooming, whether it be shaving or putting on makeup. Task lighting can be provided by recessed and track lighting, pendant lighting, and portable lamps. Look to ensure that this lighting prevents eyestrain, so it should be bright but does not render a distracting glare or shadow.� Mirrored Lights come in a variety of sizes, are specifically designed for bathroom use and combine both lights and a mirror. This is a quick fix to get a contemporary and stylish look.The big thing to remember when you are keeping things to reuse is not to be a hoarder. Only keep as much as you will actually need. If you have already got scoops for your sugar, your salt, your flour and the cat kibble, then don�t make another scoop. If your freezer is full up with frozen goods, don�t hoard any more containers for freezing. Just recycle the items instead!* Large clear plastic bottles. If you don�t want to re-use these as drink bottles (if you�re going out for a long time, then they take a lot more water than the little sip-top bottles), then try (a) cutting the top off just below the neck (at the �shoulders�) and using this top as a funnel for changing the oil or for children to play with in a sandpit or the bath; (b) cutting the top off at the shoulders and using the bottom as a mini-cloche for giving young plants a head start in early spring.� Tubs and Showers � Shower surrounds should be made from recycled glass, ceramic or porcelain tile. Recycle an old tub with a professional refinishing, although they are typically more comfortable, as older tubs are wider and deeper, they will also require more water to fill.* Pizza boxes (for large pizzas) are the perfect size for fitting A4 papers and they stack together easily. Blot the grease out and use them as a filing system. They�re easy to label, too. Cover them with newspaper or old wrapping paper if you don�t want the number of your local pizza joint staring you in the face. They stack much better than arch lever files.� Mirrored Cabinets can provide much needed space to eliminate countertop clutter and they also can be found to combine lighting as well.As a rule of thumb, general lighting takes care of 90% of the bathroom lighting needs; that includes ceiling lights, soffits, and wall sconces. Task lighting is needed for the remaining 10% and is required to perform the personal grooming activities. Most importantly, bathroom lighting should provide plenty of even, shadow-free lighting for shaving, grooming, and applying makeup. To 'face the day', you need the same image in the mirror as you would see in the natural daylight.* Screw-top jars (glass or plastic). Wash them out and keep them for your own home-made jams and pickles. Or for storing things like cornflour and cocoa. Or for storing home-made natural cleaning products and bath salts.No matter what size of room you have to work with or what style of bathroom you desire, the space does provide a very functional purpose in your home. With that in mind, let's consider the necessity of lighting and things you need to consider, especially relative to the impact of your utility bill. Energy efficiency lighting is now becoming fashionable, as well as functional.* Bottles with handles: cut them on the diagonal and use them as scoops for sugar, flour, etc.It doesn't take much to enhance your bathroom today and it just might be that first step to achieving your fantasy retreat sooner than you think.Bathrooms do not need to be the stark and cold places of our childhood. Use of earthy palettes and textures such as brushed-nickel, leather, stone, and glass, can all add to create a clean and reflective quality to your bath which is both comforting and luxurious and a long distance from ultra-modern styles.The three different types of light serve different needs; let's see how it may affect your bathroom lighting requirements:

It doesn't take much to enhance your bathroom today and it just might be that first step to achieving your fantasy retreat sooner than you think.

Author: Kathryn Dawson

Seven Ways to Modernize Your Home

Modern design, with clean lines and a good connection to the outdoors, will be the leading housing trend for the next few years. In response to a more complex world, homebuyers respond to spaces that are simple, light, and soothing. They watch home makeovers on television, get d�cor catalogs in the mail, and have a wealth of online resources. Homebuyers today are aware of current design trends, and they love the clean lines of modern homes.

Grey is the new NeutralShe and Buck acknowledged that they had qualms about starting a business in a down economy.BOTTLESTONE (shown in Mocha) Made of kilnfired recycled glass and ceramic binders, it resists heat and stains. Can be custom designed using wine bottles. COST $68/sq. ft. ECO-FRIENDLINESS 80% recycled content; no VOCs.INFO BottleStone, Los Altos, CA (bottle stone.com)Red and gold are out. Thick texture on walls is out. Heavy faux is out. White and off whites are in. Pastels are in. Taupe and grey are combined with white for a sophisticated look. Add a splash of deep color � turquoise, chocolate brown, plum � and you have today�s look. A soft organic pallet, such as cream, sisal, and raw wool is in. On wood, both the natural bare look and dark stains are used.The friends-turned-business- partners are the owners of Interi- Life, which opened in January at 301 E. Pikes Peak Ave., on the eastern edge of downtown. The store sells sustainable, eco-friendly interior finishes such as cork and bamboo flooring, recycled glass countertops and Mythic paint, a nontoxic, low-odor paint.Heinbaugh sees a demand for green products. The challenge, she said, is "we just need people to know that we're here."Hard Surface FloorsOutside is InA minimalist interior is the first step toward the modern style that today�s buyers love. Smaller spaces can be overwhelmed with stuff. Fewer things are easier to display and keep the focus on the architecture. Mid century modern furniture, with clean lines and functional design, is very popular. It is a perfect combination with a light, open interior. Sparse d�cor, hard surface floors, white walls, and lots of glass give a cleaner, simpler look.FUEZ GLASS (shown in jade) With recycled glass, fly ash, stone, and shells, it's more durable than marble. COST$8o/sq. ft. ECO-FRIENDLINESS 60% to 80% recycled materials, including beer bottles; made using 100% wind-generated electricity. INFO InFuez, Portland (fuez.com)SQUAK MOUNTAIN STONE (shown in Natural) An alternative to quarried stone, slabs are made of fly ash, post-industrial crushed glass, and low-carbon cement. COST $50/sq. ft. ECO-FRIENDLINESS 50% recycled content including paper, 1/3 less C[O.sub.2] produced during manufacturing. info Tiger Mountain Innovations, Woodinville, WA [squak mountainstone.com)PHOTOGRAPH BY THOMAS J. STORYSpace for Living & Working

More than ever, buyers want to experience the outdoors. Large, sliding glass doors and screened porches have made a comeback. On tight urban lots, glass walls open the interior to a private yard. Backyard gardens, covered patios with outdoor kitchens, and pools are all desirable to today�s buyers.

Author: Roselind Hejl

Cutting-edge countertops: high style meets earth-friendly: an eco option for every kitchen

ECOTOP (shown in Concrete) This blend of bamboo, recycled paper, and wood fiber was originally used for skateboard ramps. COST $35/ Sq. ft- ECO-FRIENDLIness 100%water based resin, FSC-certified. info Klip BioTechnolo gies, Puyallup, WA (kliptech.com)

Updated mid-century modern homes are very much in demand. Geometric patterns and big flower designs from the 1950�s and 60�s are in. Marimekko, Danish modern, IKEA, Eames, and early modern furniture are a perfect fit with today�s styles. Older traditional homes can be updated with sleek finishes, such as industrial light fixtures, flat cabinet doors, hard surface floors, and exposed windows. Open shelving in kitchens are a good fit. Today�s flat screens fit in easily, and the trend is to have more of them in places like kitchens or baths. Modern design with a retro feel will be the leading edge in the next five years.And, Buck said, "We've got no way to go but up."It was Hall who had the idea for the new business.But it's spring - a time when homeowners think about home projects, they said.Recycling your countertop To keep old or outdated countertops out of landfills, look for a deconstruction (not demolition) service in your area, or contact a local salvage center for information on types of materials allowed. To find your closest salvage yard, visit buildingreuse.org

PHOTOGRAPH BY THOMAS J. STORY

Author: Jess Chamberlain

AS CLOSE AS 2 COATS OF PAINT

Allyson Buck and Sarah Heinbaugh are taking an Earth-friendly approach to interior design.

New CountertopsContact the writer at 636-0272.The downturn in the economy and the trend toward green living has led to more efficient use of space in homes. There is an interest in livability, rather than showiness. Bathrooms are smaller and more sensible, but closets are still generous. Formal living, media, or exercise rooms that are unconnected to other core areas tend to not be used. These spaces may be converted to studies or home offices. Buyers who work on line are growing in number, and they need work space at home.Retro Is BackThe two relied on savings to get the business going. As befitting a green business, they took a green approach. Their cabinets, for example, came from ReSTORE, which sells recycled building materials.Simplify & De-clutterMore than ever, buyers want to experience the outdoors. Large, sliding glass doors and screened porches have made a comeback. On tight urban lots, glass walls open the interior to a private yard. Backyard gardens, covered patios with outdoor kitchens, and pools are all desirable to today�s buyers.The showroom is located inside what was formerly part of Hall's Walls. Buck and Heinbaugh rent the space. Hall is not part of the business.Buck learned about American Clay from Deborah Hall of Hall's Walls, a distributor for the product.Hard surface floors are a part of the green trend. Carpets hold dirt, dust mites and other allergens. Concrete, stone, cork, natural linoleum, bamboo, and wood are popular floors today. Bamboo, which grows a foot per day, is attractive and sustainable. Ceramic tile continues to be a good fit for baths, and is being explored for kitchen counters. Large ceramic pieces set tightly together offers a new look with lots of new colors.Among InteriLife's lines is American Clay, a natural-earth veneer plaster - and a product that started Buck down the path to creating InteriLife with Heinbaugh.In the recent past, to upgrade a house was to �granitize� it. Today, granite is moving aside in favor of new choices. Recycled glass and engineered stones are growing in popularity, in line with the green trend. Soapstone, long used in labs, is in demand. The organic look of limestone, concrete, and marble have a following. Stainless steel is a good fit with modern styles.DURAPALM (shown in Midnight Palm) Harvested From coconut palms, this wood is slightly stronger than oak. COST $23/sq. ft. ECO-FRIENDLINESS 100% derived from old, nonfruiting palms. info Smith $ Fong, San Francisco (plyboo.com)"I really liked the product," Buck said. And in delving into it, Buck also got to know Hall.

Contact the writer at 636-0272.

Author: Bill Radford

Repair Options for Plastic Laminate Countertops

In the early years of my career in the countertop fabrication business, I sold a large number of plastic laminate countertops. When I went into business for myself 17 years ago, I started out specializing in repairing and modifying solid surface countertops. My thinking at that time was that the potential for repairing plastic laminate countertops was limited, and I wanted to focus totally on my new specialty. Eventually, though, I developed an interest in new business opportunities.

Since glass tiles can withstand harsh conditions, unlike many other surface coverings, it is ideal for a multitude of applications. Fireplaces, wall backsplashes, kitchen and bathroom floors or countertops are just a few examples. Glass is even weather-proof enough for outdoor use. It is very popular as pool tile because of its strength and attractive mosaic design possibilities. From a �green� standpoint, the developing innovations of recycled glass make it healthier for the environment. Recycled glass is in no way inferior to non-recycled glass. It creates a unique and often sought after appearance that can resist the same conditions as any newly-created glass.REPAIR OPTIONSThe company's second product is Giani Granite Paint for Countertops. This product is a complete kit with all of the ingrethents needed to create a faux granite finish on a plastic laminate countertop. Included is a black primer, three complementary colors of mineral paints that are applied in a specific order to produce a granite effect, and a clear protective top coat. The company says that the system is based on automotive grade polymers like those used to manufacture car bumpers, and that the surface is exceptionally durable after two weeks of curing, although the refinished countertops can handle light-duty usage after just 48 hours. Kits in six basic colors are available, but the final look can be customized by varying the proportions of the mineral paints, or by adding other colors of acrylic paints. Visit GianiGranite.com for complete information.I'm rethinking that opinion. Just because many people have failed to do a good job doesn't mean that it's impossible. The key to success is selecting the right products that will bond securely to the laminate, and result in an attractive, durable, sanitary surface.As the years went by, I gradually added more products to the range of countertops my company services. Our first expansion was to begin repairing quartz countertops. Then we added butcher block, granite, marble as well as many other natural stones, in addition to concrete and recycled glass countertops to our product mix.Michaela Harbert has perfected her own successful four-step technique for refinishing plastic laminate countertops, and now provides this service professionally in the Cleveland, OH area. She calls her process Countertop Transfauxmations, and she has produced and sells a DVD and manual that explains the entire process. The process involves faux finishing and is completed with hand tools such as rollers and sponges as opposed to spray guns. With proper preparation, her method can cover areas that have moderate burn damage as well as chips, nicks and gouges. I've ordered the DVD, which is available at ByYouLLC.com, and will report on the results in a future column.Occasionally, we would be asked to repair a plastic laminate countertop, but in most cases, we declined. My perception was that the repair options were limited and the countertops themselves were relatively inexpensive. As a result, most customers would choose to live with minor damage, or they would complete a do-ityourself repair, or replace the countertops with new ones. None of these options involved hiring a professional repair service.Glass has extremely easy maintenance. Everyday glass cleaner will do the trick. Due to its recent increase in recognition and competitive availability, glass is very reasonably priced. Glass tile applications have seen an increase lately due to recent anti-slip products, making it more ideal for floor applications. Though glass is resilient, it can still break due to abuse. Floor-rated tiles are recommended in high-traffic areas. These are more resistant and less likely to crack. Upon deciding glass is for you, remember these specialty tiles require specific installation methods, so be sure to hire a professional. From design to finish, glass tiles make a beautiful addition to any home.Burns from hot pots are a common form of damage to plastic laminate countertops, and this type of damage is usually too extensive to be repaired inconspicuously. Vance Industries in another company that has been offering a repair solution for decades. The Vance Built-in Surface Saver is a tempered glass cutting board with a stainless steel frame. The product is designed to be permanently installed as an insert into the countertop, centered over the damaged area. The product is available in two sizes measuring either 12"xl5" or 16"x20", and a variety of colors of both the glass cutting boards and the steel frames. Visit Vancelnd. com for more information.Accordingly, here's some information about a variety of products and services that allow plastic laminate countertops to be repaired and refinished.Glass tiles come in an array of colors, shapes, sizes and designs. A homeowner can choose from a wide collection of either standard or custom tiles or they can hire a tile artist to create a one of a kind piece for their home. This method has become trendier recently because of the endless custom possibilities and aesthetic appeal. Glass has been used for centuries in every type of constructions because it is resilient. Water-proof and non-porous, glass resists moisture and will never stain or harbor mildew growth, making it a natural non-allergenic material. In addition, they never fade, scratch or decay, which means endless application possibilities without the risk of damage. These facts have been proven through time.Thomas' Kitchen Art is a division of Eagle Specialty Products, a company based in St. Louis that supplies ingrethents for manufacturers of paints, coatings, inks, caulks, adhesives and metal working fluids. Thomas' Kitchen Art has introduced two products that can be used for refinishing plastic laminate countertops. One is called Liquid Stainless Steel, which is a unique paint composed of microscopic particles of stainless steel in a clear, automotive grade acrylic resin. Marketed primarily for appliance refinishing, it can also be used to simulate a stainless steel countertop. Visit LiquidStainlessSteel.com for complete information.One well-known company, Miracle Method, has been successful in refinishing plastic laminate countertops. Miracle Method originated in 1979 as a franchise operation specializing in refinishing items like bathtubs and porcelain sinks. With over 120 locations and an emphasis on quality and customer service, the company may be the best choice nationally for professional refinishing of plastic laminate countertops. Enter your zip code at MiracleMethod.com for a referral to a franchise near you.

These products and services offer the promise that plastic laminate countertops that are moderately damaged or worn, or that no longer match the color scheme of the kitchen or bath, can be refurbished for many additional years of service.

Author: Heaphy, Jim